Headlines for Saturday, September 14, 2013

46-year-old Edward R. Matheny of Owensboro, KY was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving too fast for conditions following an accident in Edwards County late Friday morning. State police said 48-year-old Angela E. Greatline of Albion was southbound on Illinois Route 130 near Edwards County road 1375 North preparing to make a turn into a private drive, when Matheny’s semi struck the rear of Greatline’s vehicle. Greatline was extricated from her vehicle and airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN where police say she was discharged later Friday afternoon. Matheny refused treatment for his injuries at the scene.

The 45th annual Fairfield Fall Fun Fest wraps up today. Activities include the Pizza Hut Kiddie Parade, Gong Show, Animals Requesting Friends Outrageous Dog Contest, and performances tonight by “Sons of the Father” and the “Victory Boys Quartet” at 6:30, followed by “Memories of Elvis” from 6 to 10 p.m. on the main stage.

Funeral services have been set for Monday at the Effingham, IL Baptist Church for seven-year-old Willow Long of Watson, IL. Long’s uncle, 22-year-old Justin DeRyke is charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors say DeRyke told investigators he killed his niece to end her suffering after she tripped and fell onto a brush pile near the family’s home in Watson and pierced her neck. DeRyke’s next court appearance is scheduled for this Thursday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first death from the West Nile virus. An elderly Logan County resident became ill with the West Nile virus in mid-August and has died. The IDPH also reported this week the first human case in southern Illinois. The Jefferson County Health Department confirmed a teen tested positive for West Nile after becoming ill in mid-August. So far, human cases of West Nile, along with positive tests in birds and mosquitoes have been reported in 57 Illinois counties.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says this year’s attendance at the DuQuoin State Fair was up 20 percent over last year, and that several one-day attendance records were set. Over 365,000 attended this year’s fair, with the highest-ever numbers reported during the first two days of the fair, which ran from August 23rd through September 2nd. Next year’s fair has been set for August 22nd through September 1st.